Celebrating the 56th anniversary of BLACK ENTERPRISE and honoring its visionary founder.

The minority businessman in America has faced numerous challenges in breaking into the marketplace due to a lack of capital, managerial and technical knowledge, and prejudice. But in 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE emerged with a mission to change this reality. As the publication hit the newsstands, it quickly evolved into a multimedia conglomerate that inspired countless African American men and women to pursue their dreams.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of BLACK ENTERPRISE, and to honor this milestone, our editors paid tribute to the late Earl G. Graves, Sr., the visionary founder and publisher of the magazine. In a special issue, we wrote about his tireless efforts to make African Americans full participants in the economic mainstream.

He was not only a champion for Black businesses, but also a vital link between Black America and corporate America. He held institutional leaders accountable for promoting access and opportunity in all areas of society. Under Graves' leadership, BLACK ENTERPRISE served as a powerful tool to document and guide the progress of Black empowerment in the nation.

It also made history of its own through various initiatives that propelled Black advancement and the growth of the company. In 1973, we introduced the Top 100 list, an annual ranking of the largest Black-owned companies in the country. This became a barometer for measuring Black business development and success.

In 1986, we launched the Professional Networking Forums, which opened the door for us to host events and connect with our audience in person. As technology advanced, so did BLACK ENTERPRISE. In 1997, we launched our website, BlackEnterprise.com, to provide a digital platform for Black business news and resources.

In 2000, we launched the Black Wealth initiative, which aimed to empower African Americans financially and promote homeownership and stock market participation. In 2003, we made our first foray into television with the Black Business Report, which led to other broadcast properties that provided additional avenues for business and financial information. Over the years, we have continued to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of our audience.

Our various offerings cater to different segments of the community and are available on various platforms. In our special 50th anniversary issue, both in print and digital form, we paid tribute to our founder and the vehicle that has uplifted and inspired millions of Black people around the world. This was a deeply personal issue, as we shared the incredible journey of Earl Graves, Sr., and his impact on business, corporate America, politics, and wealth creation.

Through his own words, commentaries and remembrances from influential business leaders, and a heartfelt letter from his son and current CEO, Earl "Butch" Graves, Jr., readers were able to learn about his leadership and his roles as a husband, father, and grandfather. Butch Graves shared a touching sentiment about his father, who met with eight US presidents and yet remained humble and connected to everyday people. He wrote, "You were as excited to share our family Christmas card with the skycaps at American Airlines as you were with its CEO." In this special issue, readers were able to discover the story of a determined man who defied the odds and showed countless African Americans how to pave their own path to success.

BLACK ENTERPRISE has made history by being the first Black-owned publication to feature a Black president on its cover. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we honor our founder and his legacy that continues to inspire and empower Black entrepreneurs and business leaders. We look forward to the next 50 years and the impact we will make in the world of Black business.